Method and apparatus for the manufacture of fancy yarns

ABSTRACT

The device is constituted by a hollow rotary spindle, there being introduced into the inlet of the spindle at least three textile components, namely: a foundation component, a covering component and a binding component delivered from a bobbin carried by the hollow spindle, the fancy thread which issues from the hollow spindle being drawn by a pair of take-up rollers while the covering component is delivered at a higher linear speed than the speed of take-up of the foundation component as this latter is pulled by the fancy thread which is drawn through the hollow spindle.

United States Patent Lemaire Oct. 21, 1975 [54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE 3,445,994 5/1969 Nalpas 57/12 MANUFACTURE OF FANCY YARNS V S r A a pas e a Inventor: Paul Lemaire, Wambrechws 3,683,607 8/1972 Chatin 57/18 (NOrd), France 3,685,268 8/1972 Seguin i i 57/160 X Assigneez Filature de Saint A dre Saint 3,717,959 2/1973 Chatm .i 57/160 AndreNOrd France Primary ExaminerJohn Petrakes [22] Filed: Feb. 26, 1974 Attorney, Agent, or FirmToren, McGeady and 121 App]. N0.I 445,891 Slang Related US. Application Data [57] ABSTRACT 3] 5833 21 2 of Ser NO Aug 1972 The devlce 1s const1tuted by a hollow rotary splndle, there being introduced into the inlet of the spindle at [30] Foreign Application priority Data least three textile components, namely: a foundation A 31 1971 F n 71 31453 component, a covering component and a binding comfa Ce ponent delivered from a bobbin carried by the hollow spindle, the fancy thread which issues from the hollow g;'"5 5 35;;5 5 '"g gvgagggg spindle being drawn by a pair of take-up rollers while [58] Field 1 3 12 17 18 160 the covering component is delivered at a higher linear speed than the speed of take-up of the foundation component as this latter is pulled by the fancy thread [56] g gig g gif which is drawn through the hollow spindle. 3,439,484 4/1969 Nalpas et al. 57/16 6 Claims 1 Drawing Figure METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FANCY YARNS This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 277,751 filed Aug. 3, 1972, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a device for the manufacture of fancy yarns of the most varied types at low cost and at a high production rate.

The device according to the invention is constituted by a hollow rotary spindle, there being introduced into the inlet of said spindle at least three textile compo nents, namely: a foundation component, a covering component and a binding component delivered from a bobbin carried by said hollow spindle, the fancy thread which issues from the hollow spindle being drawn by a pair of take-up rollers whilst the covering component is delivered at a higher linear speed than the speed of take-up of the foundation component as this latter is pulled by the fancy thread which is drawn through the hollow spindle.

A device of this type permits the manufacture of an infinite number of yarns which differ both in appearance and in size according to the nature and number of the foundation and/or covering components employed and also according to the value of the ratio of speeds of take-up of the fancy thread and of delivery of the covering component or components. Furthermore, if steps are taken during the manufacturing process to vary the linear speed of the covering component or components and/or the speed of the foundation component or components which are drawn with the thread obtained, it is possible to produce a wide range of additional effects such as portions of threads which can be waved, looped, coarse, knop threads and the like.

Moreover, since the device is not fitted with sliders designed to move on rings or with like devices, its operating speed is limited only by the speed of rotation of the spindle, thus making it possible to attain very high production rates without any difficulty.

The invention is also directed to the fancy yarns which are manufactured in devices of this type.

A better understanding of the invention will be obtained from the following description and from the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which shows in perspective the general arrangement of a device for manufacturing fancy yarns in accordance with the invention.

The device which is illustrated in the drawing is intended for the production of fancy yarns and is essentially constituted by a hollow rotary spindle 1, there being introduced into the inlet of said spindle three kinds of textile components (natural, artificial or synthetic textiles), namely: a foundation component 2, a covering component 3 and a binding component 4. In the example shown, it has also been assumed that a second covering component 3A was introduced but, in the basic embodiment of the device according to the invention, only one covering component is introduced, namely the component 3,'for example.

In the example which is illustrated, the hollow spindle l is disposed vertically and driven in rotation by any suitable and conventional means (not shown). The inlet end of the hollow spindle is the top end whilst the fancy yarn 6 obtained is delivered from the bottom end of the spindle, said yarn being drawn, for example, by means of a pair of take-up rollers 7, 8.

The foundation component 2 consists, for example, of a thread and the binding component 4 also consists ofa thread delivered from a bobbin 11 which is carried by the hollow spindle l. The covering component 3 is constituted, for example, by a ribbon which passes out of the delivery rollers l3, 14 of a drawing train 15.

Before encountering the covering ribbon 3, the foundation thread 2 passes into a guiding element such as an eye 17. As it is delivered from the take-up rollers 7, 8, the fancy yarn 6 falls into a can 18 in the example which is illustrated but could also be wound directly.

The operation of the device is as follows:

The foundation thread 2 is drawn at a speed W m/min by the rollers 7 and 8 employed for taking-up the fancy yarn whilst the covering ribbon 3 is supplied by the delivery roller 13, 14 at a speed V m/min which is higher than the speed W.

While the hollow spindle l. is rotating, its movement of rotation imparted to the binding thread 4 produces a false twist of the foundation thread 2 between the inlet of said hollow spindle and the guiding eye 17. In that portion which is subjected to the false twist, the foundation thread 2 is therefore caused to carry out a movement of rotation about its axis, with the result that the covering ribbon 3 is wound onto this portion of the foundation thread. At the top end of the hollow rotating spindle l, the binding thread 4 secures the assembly of the foundation thread 2 and the covering ribbon 3. As the three components travel downwards together within the hollow spindle 1,. the foundation thread 2 loses its false twist, with the result that the covering ribbon 3 moves away from the foundation thread 2 to a slight extent and is partially unwound with respect to this latter in those places in which said ribbon is not tightly held by the helix which is formed by the binding thread over the assembly consisting of the foundation thread and covering ribbon.

There is thus obtained a fancy yarn 6 which is expanded to a greater or lesser extent, depending on whether the ratio of the two speeds V and W of forward motion of the covering ribbon and foundation thread, namely what may be referred-to as the coating, is itself of greater or lesser magnitude.

As a rule, the foundation thread 2 and the binding thread 4 are relatively fine whilst the covering ribbon 3 is much larger and provides the end product with the greater part of its volume.

It steps are taken during the process of manufacture of the final product to change the speed of the take-up rollers 7, 8 that is to say the linear speed of the foundation thread and/or the rate. of feed V of the covering ribbon 3, there can thus be obtained waved, looped, ruffled or knop or like yarns.

The speed of rotation of the spindle 1 determines the degree of false twist of the foundation thread 2.

By reason of the fact that the foundation thread 2 is subjected to a false twist, the covering ribbon 3 which is deposited thereon loses practically its entire twist at the time of disappearance of the false twist of the foundation thread 2, with the result that the final product has a relatively small bulk.

The operation does not entail complete shut-down of a machine which is fitted with a whole series of devices of this type since the bobbins. ll of binding thread can be readily replaced solely by stopping the spindle concerned each time and since the cans 18 can be changed without stopping the spindle.

If provision is made for a hollow spindle l of sufficiently large diameter, it will be possible to, produce fancy yarns within a very wide range of counts, namely between Nm 0.5 and Nm 20, for example.

The location of the zone in which the covering ribbon 3 is-wound onto the foundation 2 can be determined automatically if'all the components are left free but this location can also be predetermined at will by means of a finger which is judiciously placed or alternatively displaced over a given distance along the foundation thread 2 in accordance with any suitable law.

A very large number of alternative embodiments are possible. Accordingly, it follows by way of example:

that it is possible to wind onto the foundation thread 2, a second ribbon as indicated at 3A which is delivered by another drawing-roller train 13A, 14A;

that, in the event that use is made of two covering ribbons or any two covering components, one of these latter can perform the function of foundation thread with respect to the other so that, by way of alternative, it is possible to dispense with the foundation component 2, it being understood that at least one of the two covering components is fed at a speed V which is higher than the speed W of the take-up rollers 7 and 8;

that the covering ribbon 3 can be replaced by any other suitable covering components such as, for example:

a. one or a number of threads.

the ribbon of a rotary rubber. the slubbing of a spinning card. any combination of a number of the components contemplated in paragraphs a, b and c hereinabove.

e. a complex yarn already obtained by means of a device of the same type as the device contemplated by the invention. It is thus possible to superpose successive layers of materials which may or may not be different from each other.

in another series of alternative embodiments, the foundation thread 2 can be replaced by any other suitable foundation component and especially by:

a. a plurality of threads.

b. the ribbon of a rotary rubber.

c. the slubbing of a spinning card.

d. any combination of a number of components designated in paragraphs a, b and c hereinabove.

e. a complex yarn obtained by means of a device of the same type as the device according to the present invention.

It is readily understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated; depending on the applications which are contemplated, modifications can accordingly be made therein without consequently departing from the scope or the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for the manufacture of a fancy yarn comprising a foundation component, a covering component and a binding component, a hollow rotary spindle with the hollow portion extending concentrically to the axis of rotation of the spindle and having an inlet end at one end and an outlet end at the other end, means for directing the foundation component along a path of travel extending transversely of the axis of said spindle and toward the inlet end of the hollow portion of said spindle, delivering means for feeding the covering component into the path of travel of said foundation componentat a position spaced-between and from said means for-directing said foundation component and the inlet end of said spindle, said covering component being fed by said delivering means in a direction extending transversely to the path of travel of said foundation component, a bobbin with said binding component wound thereon mounted concentrically with the hollow portion of said spindle for rotation therewith for feeding said binding component to the path of travel of said foundation component and covering component before said foundation component and covering component enter the inlet end of said spindle so that the rotation of said spindle helically winds said binding component about the combined said foundation and covering components and effects a false twist in said foundation component between said directing means and the inlet end of said spindle and the rotation of said foundation component due to the false twisting thereof winds said covering component on said foundation component, take-up rolls for the combined foundation, covering and binding components located downstream of the outlet end of the hollow portion of said spindle, said take-up rolls arranged to draw the combined said components through said spindle at a speed lower than the speed at which said covering component is delivered by said delivering means and with the false twist in said foundation component being lost as it passes through the hollow portion of said spindle and unwinding said covering component where it is not tightly bound by said binding component with the fancy yarn emerging from the outlet end of said spindle.

2. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein a second delivering means is arranged for delivering a second covering component to said foundation component at a position located adjacent the position where said first covering component is wound on said foundation component between said means for directing the foundation component and the inlet end to said hollow rotary spindle.

3. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein a second hollow rotating spindle having an inlet end and an outlet end is located downstream in the direction of movement of the fancy yarn from said take-up rolls, second means for directing the fancy yarn to the inlet end of said second spindle, second delivering means for delivering a second covering component to the fancy yarn at a position intermediate said second means for directing the fancy yarn and the inlet end of said second spindle, a second bobbin having a second binding component wound thereon is mounted on said second spindle for rotation therewith, second take-up rolls for the combined fancy yarn the second covering component and the second binding component I located downstream of the outlet end of said second spindle for withdrawing the fancy yarn withdrawn from the first said spindle along with the additional covering and binding components.

4. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for directing said foundation component comprises a stationary guiding eye.

5. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means forv directing said foundation component comprises delivery rollers.

6. A method of forming a fancy yarn including a foundation component, a covering component and a binding component comprising the steps of moving the foundation component along a path of travel, moving the covering component to the path of travel of the foundation component for winding it onto said foundation component, mounting the binding component on a support and rotating the support and imparting the rotation to the binding component, leading the rotating binding component into the path of travel of the foundation component downstream from the location at which the covering component intersects the path of travel of the foundation component and, due to the rotating action of the binding component, winding the binding component onto the combined foundation component and imparting a false twist to the foundacomponent. 

1. A device for the manufacture of a fancy yarn comprising a foundation component, a covering component and a binding component, a hollow rotary spindle with the hollow portion extending concentrically to the axis of rotation of the spindle and having an inlet end at one end and an outlet end at the other end, means for directing the foundation component along a path of travel extending transversely of the axis of said spindle and toward the inlet end of the hollow portion of said spindle, delivering means for feeding the covering component into the path of travel of said foundation component at a position spaced between and from said means for directing said foundation component and the inlet end of said spindle, said covering component being fed by said delivering means in a direction extending transversely to the path of travel of said foundation component, a bobbin with said binding component wound thereon mounted concentrically with the hollow portion of said spindle for rotation therewith for feeding said binding component to the path of travel of said foundation component and covering component before said foundation component and covering component enter the inlet end of said spindle so that the rotation of said spindle helically winds said binding component about the combined said foundation and covering Components and effects a false twist in said foundation component between said directing means and the inlet end of said spindle and the rotation of said foundation component due to the false twisting thereof winds said covering component on said foundation component, take-up rolls for the combined foundation, covering and binding components located downstream of the outlet end of the hollow portion of said spindle, said take-up rolls arranged to draw the combined said components through said spindle at a speed lower than the speed at which said covering component is delivered by said delivering means and with the false twist in said foundation component being lost as it passes through the hollow portion of said spindle and unwinding said covering component where it is not tightly bound by said binding component with the fancy yarn emerging from the outlet end of said spindle.
 2. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein a second delivering means is arranged for delivering a second covering component to said foundation component at a position located adjacent the position where said first covering component is wound on said foundation component between said means for directing the foundation component and the inlet end to said hollow rotary spindle.
 3. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein a second hollow rotating spindle having an inlet end and an outlet end is located downstream in the direction of movement of the fancy yarn from said take-up rolls, second means for directing the fancy yarn to the inlet end of said second spindle, second delivering means for delivering a second covering component to the fancy yarn at a position intermediate said second means for directing the fancy yarn and the inlet end of said second spindle, a second bobbin having a second binding component wound thereon is mounted on said second spindle for rotation therewith, second take-up rolls for the combined fancy yarn the second covering component and the second binding component located downstream of the outlet end of said second spindle for withdrawing the fancy yarn withdrawn from the first said spindle along with the additional covering and binding components.
 4. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for directing said foundation component comprises a stationary guiding eye.
 5. A device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for directing said foundation component comprises delivery rollers.
 6. A method of forming a fancy yarn including a foundation component, a covering component and a binding component comprising the steps of moving the foundation component along a path of travel, moving the covering component to the path of travel of the foundation component for winding it onto said foundation component, mounting the binding component on a support and rotating the support and imparting the rotation to the binding component, leading the rotating binding component into the path of travel of the foundation component downstream from the location at which the covering component intersects the path of travel of the foundation component and, due to the rotating action of the binding component, winding the binding component onto the combined foundation component and imparting a false twist to the foundation component and thereby winding the covering component onto the foundation component, leading the combined foundation covering and binding components downstream from the point of the winding on the binding component, changing the directions of movement of the combined components and releasing the false twist in the foundation component with the covering component being partially unwound from the foundation component intermediate the positions where it is held about the foundation component by the binding component. 